Ennatha of Gaza

Holy Martyr Ennatha of Gaza received a martyr's death in the year 308, in the time of the Emperor Maximian Galerius, at the hands of Firmilian, the governor of the province of Palestine, together with the Holy Martyrs Valentina and Paula. Ennatha was from Gaza, Valentina from Caesarea of Palestine, and Paula from the neighbourhood of Caesarea. All three were virgins. Little information about them is preserved.

The first brought to Firmilian's judgment was Ennatha, who confessed herself a Christian with courage. She was beaten, then hung on a pillar and her body was scraped. Valentina, accused of not honouring the gods, was led into a pagan temple to offer sacrifice, but boldly threw a stone onto the altar and turned her back to the fire burning on it. Firmilian was enraged, ordered her beaten without mercy on the ribs and condemned her with Ennatha to be beheaded.

Last of all Paula was brought, who was subjected to many tortures that she bore, with God's help, with great patience and courage. Before death she thanked the Lord who had strengthened her in the struggle and, bowing to the Christians present, bowed her head under the sword.

The Synaxarion commemorates the three on 23 February (new style).